Malaysian artist set for Phl show

MANILA, Philippines — Malaysian pop singer and actor Alvin Chong will have a taste of the Philippine music scene when he comes here for a musical showcase on Sept. 2 at the Lucky Chinatown Mall.

But he already knows what it’s like to be working with Pinoy artists. Thanks to his label Universal Music Malaysia, he was able to team up with MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) singer Isabela Vinzon for the English song We Got This.

“It’s definitely a fun experience. I have never been to any part of the Philippines. And I got to know a lot of the Filipino culture through Isabela,” he said of collaborating with the former Voice Teens Philippines finalist, in an online interview for The Star. He added, “I got to know some Filipino artists like Darren Espanto and Jayda Avanzado through Isabela.”

When asked how he got into the music industry, Alvin shared, “I was doing singing part-time since I was 16. Mostly performing in cafés and events. I joined a reality show called Astro Star Quest back in 2009. Got into Top 5. That’s how I got into the entertainment scene officially. I never took any classes before, but I’m planning to take one.”

Alvin developed a love for music by listening to a lot of Chinese oldies when he was growing up. “I started to listen to pop songs only when I was 14. Faves are Shawn Mendes and Ed Sheeran.”

Apart from being a pop singer, he’s also an actor. He first became popular in Malaysia through the hit Malay TV drama Suri Hati Mr. Pilot and has since starred in movies including The Dream Boyz, 3 Brothers and Huat The Fish as the male lead. He said there’s not much difference between singing and acting. “It’s all about delivering a message through a method (performing or acting).”

Right now, he’s on tour for his music. “The fun part (of it) is I get to travel and experience different cultures. Difficult part is I am unable to tour for too long as I have other commitments like acting and other projects booked until next year.”

Alvin can’t wait to meet Filipino music audiences. “Music has no boundaries. And majority of the Filipinos loves music. I’m glad they are willing to accept me and my music.”